MIAMI (Feb. 20, 2020) – The FIU beach volleyball team begins its 2020 campaign with the UNF Beach Invitational at the Cooper Beach Volleyball Complex from Feb. 21-22. The Panthers face Georgia State, Florida Atlantic, Mercer, and host North Florida during the two-day tournament.

FIU returns impressive talent from last season's squad. Two-time America Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-Americans Federica Frasca and Margherita Bianchin return to the sand for their senior seasons. Last year, the tandem finished with an impressive 22-6 overall record, including a stellar 20-5 ledger on court one, and a 2-1 mark on court two. The duo was also named to the Coastal Collegiate Sports Association (CCSA) Preseason All-Conference team for the 2020 campaign.

Another notable returner for the Panther squad is Lina Bernier. The senior was named to the CCSA Watch List for her final season in the Blue and Gold. Bernier received all-tournament honors following a perfect 4-0 record with then-partner Erika Zembyla at the 2019 CCSA tournament. On the year, the duo was 16-4 overall, while going 13-3 on court four, 2-0 on court five and 1-1 on court three.

As a team, the FIU enters the year ranked 10th in the AVCA poll and 11th in the DiG Magazine Collegiate Beach Volleyball Poll. The Panthers went 17-11 overall and 5-3 in conference play during the 2019 season.

FIU faces Georgia State in the squad's first dual of the season. First serve is scheduled for 9 a.m. ET. The Panthers face the Owls of FAU Friday at 1:30 p.m. On Saturday, the team takes on the host Osprey on Saturday at 10 a.m. and Mercer at 3 p.m.

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